College should not be your first rodeo with a gynecologist. We highly recommend that between the ages of 13 and 15 you touch base with a gynecologist, find out what we do, and tell us a little about your medical history if you feel so inclined. Avoid having sex or douching within 24 hours of your pending appointment as this can irritate your vagina and impact the results of your Pap test.
Before you even enter the office, you should be clear on the purpose of the visit. Not all visits require an exam. Or maybe you just want to discuss your contraceptive options, family planning, your irregular periods, etc.
If an exam is taking place, have them go over the specifics that entails: will there be a breast or pelvic exam? How do these things work? Your medical history should and will be discussed thoroughly including but not limited to your surgical history, current medications, family history, inquiries into your smoking, drinking, and drug habits, and reviewing medical issues you may have.
A female between the ages of 11 and 18 could potentially see a family practice provider, a pediatrician, or a gynecologist. The human papillomavirus HPV vaccination is also suggested during the teen years to help prevent getting cervical cancer later in life. Your health and your age will mostly influence how often you need care. Women between 21 and 29 years old should visit their gynecologist at least once a year for a regular exam.
They should also visit their provider between visits if any issues come up. If you become sexually active before turning 21, you should also go to your gynecologist every year. The ideal time to schedule your first appointment is around the age of However, a pelvic exam might be performed if you have concerns or problems.
These changes were made based on new findings of the development of cervical cancer progression. Most cervical cancers are caused by certain types of HPV , a sexually transmitted virus. Doing a yearly Pap test is now considered to be redundant. While you might not need to visit your gynecologist regularly every year, they still might be better suited than your primary care provider to address certain issues. These include concerns related to the female reproductive system, sexual function, and hormone therapy.
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how often you should see your gynecologist. The bimanual exam is a manual test of your reproductive organs for abnormalities like cysts. To conduct the bimanual exam, your gynecologist will insert two gloved, lubricated fingers inside of your vagina and feel around while the other hand presses down on your abdomen.
If it is, tell your gynecologist immediately. The entire bimanual exam should take one minute or less. Keep in mind that your gynecologist visit might include a breast exam, in which your doctor will feel your breasts and upper arms for lumps. It typically takes 1 day to 2 weeks to get results from an STI test, and weeks to get results from a pap smear.
It also might be a good idea to schedule your next appointment before you leave the office. Our online, doctor-designed consultation takes into account your medical history and lifestyle preferences to choose the best contraception method for you.
Got questions? Your doctor is just a message away. Our care team will always be here for you. Complete online medical consultation.
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